AYV News, November 4, 2026
Kids Advocacy Network (KAN), with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Sierra Leone, has intensified efforts to influence policymakers and key stakeholders to take concrete action against online gender-based violence (OGBV).
The advocacy took centre stage at the 11th Annual National Girls Empowerment Forum 2026, held at the Sierra Leone Parliament from October 28 to 31, under the theme: “Her Choice Is to Be in School, Not in the Matrimonial Home: Invest in Her and End FGM for a Brighter Future.”
The forum brought together girls and young women from across the country to engage policymakers, government institutions, development partners and civil society organisations on issues affecting their rights, safety, dignity and participation in society.
Representing the Chief Justice, Justice Jamesina Essie L. King pledged the Judiciary’s support in combating online violence against women and girls, assuring participants that perpetrators would be held accountable.
Speaking on behalf of Members of Parliament, Hon. Rosemarie Bangura also reaffirmed Parliament’s commitment to ending online violence against women and girls.
Representatives from the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs, the Sierra Leone Police and the Office of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice commended UNDP for supporting KAN and pledged their institutions’ support in addressing the growing threat.
Recognising the increasing impact of technology-facilitated gender-based violence, KAN, under the leadership of Executive Director Edmond Alim B. Fornah, placed particular emphasis on online harassment, cyberbullying, cyberstalking, the non-consensual sharing of intimate images, online exploitation and digital intimidation.
Through discussions, advocacy engagements and interactive sessions, participants examined how online abuse threatens girls’ safety, mental well-being, educational opportunities, freedom of expression and meaningful participation in public life.
A key objective of the forum was to ensure that girls’ experiences and perspectives inform policy discussions and decision-making. Participants were encouraged to share their challenges in digital spaces and propose practical solutions for creating safer and more inclusive online environments.
The engagement called for stronger legal and institutional frameworks, improved reporting and response mechanisms, increased digital literacy, access to justice for survivors and greater accountability for perpetrators.
Speaking on the initiative, Fornah emphasised that protecting girls’ rights must extend beyond the classroom, home and physical community to include digital spaces where young people increasingly learn, communicate and participate in public discussions.
KAN also stressed the importance of collaboration among government institutions, technology companies, law enforcement agencies, educational institutions, civil society organisations and development partners in tackling online gender-based violence.
With UNDP’s support, KAN continues to connect grassroots experiences with national policy discussions, ensuring that girls are not merely beneficiaries of development programmes but active participants in shaping decisions that affect their lives.
The National Girls Empowerment Forum has become an important platform for amplifying girls’ voices, strengthening their leadership capacities and promoting dialogue between young people and decision-makers.
Through this year’s engagement, KAN reaffirmed its commitment to advancing digital rights, gender equality, child protection and inclusive governance, while urging policymakers to translate their commitments into practical measures that guarantee every girl the right to live, learn, lead and participate safely, both offline and online.
The forum underscored a clear message: Ending gender-based violence must include ending violence against women and girls in digital spaces. Every girl deserves to be safe, heard, protected and empowered, everywhere, including online.
